JLC3DP Blog

Industrial & Manufacturing

Functional 3D Printing for Real Parts: Design Rules, Materials & Uses

Functional 3D Printing for Real Parts: Design Rules, Materials & Uses Key Takeaways Functional 3D printing is used for real, load-bearing parts, not just prototypes. Design matters more than material — poor geometry or orientation causes most failures. SLS and MJF PA12 offer the most reliable performance for production-grade polymer parts. Metal 3D Printing (SLM/BJ) is essential when requirements exceed the thermal or mechanical limits of polymers. Success depends on the "Triple Threat": orientation, ......

May 08, 2026

Cost & ROI

3D Printing Titanium Cost in 2026: Pricing, Factors & How to Save

Key Takeaways 2026 Price Benchmarks: Titanium 3D printing typically costs $5–$20 per cm³. While raw powder costs ~$300–$600/kg, the primary expense is machine time. Time > Weight: Machine uptime (40–70%) and post-processing (20–50%) drive costs. A tall or solid part often costs more than a complex, lightweight lattice of the same mass. Design for Savings: You can reduce costs by 30–50% through hollowing, topology optimization, and orienting parts to minimize Z-height and supports. Efficiency in Number......

Apr 29, 2026

Technology Comparison

PolyJet Alternatives: Compare Full Color 3D Printing Technologies

What Is PolyJet 3D Printing? PolyJet, commercialized by companies like Stratasys, is one of the most widely recognized material jetting technologies for high-resolution, multi-material 3D printing. PolyJet usually enters the conversation when a project demands a level of detail that standard FDM or SLS just can't touch (Here’s a comparison of FDM vs SLS vs SLA if you want to look into that). Unlike other additive processes that extrude a bead of plastic or melt a bed of powder, PolyJet operates more l......

Apr 21, 2026

Cost & ROI

3D Printing Cost Comparison: Injection Molding, CNC, and Traditional Manufacturing

Understanding the 3D Printing Cost Comparison When an engineering team sits down for a 3D printing cost comparison, they can't just find the lowest quote for a single part. The engineers have to map how the price-per-unit shifts as you move from a "one-off" prototype to a thousand-unit production run. A single 3D-printed housing might run you $40, while a traditional machined version could cost triple that due to setup time. However, the math flips once you scale. For hardware startups and product dev......

Apr 23, 2026

Post-Processing

Why Your 3D Prints Need Threaded Inserts: MJF & SLA Guide

Designing reliable threads in plastic parts is one of those details that seems simple until a prototype actually gets assembled. A screw may go in fine the first time — maybe even the second. After that, the threads start to loosen, plastic begins to deform, and the joint slowly loses its grip. This is where engineers typically weigh two options: printing threads directly into the part, or installing threaded inserts for 3d printed parts. Both approaches have their place. Printed threads can work well......

Apr 15, 2026

Cost & ROI

9 Reasons Why You Should NOT Buy a 3D Printer

(Freepik) So, you're thinking of buying a 3D printer. The internet’s hyped it up, your buddy won’t shut up about his Benchy prints, and you're wondering: “Is a 3D printer worth it?” Here’s the thing, ometimes, it’s not. Owning a 3D printer sounds futuristic until you’re knee-deep in filament spaghetti, failed layers, and firmware updates. If you’re hoping it’ll magically solve all your making needs, you’re in for a wake-up call. Before you spend a chunk of cash and desk space, here are 9 reasons you m......

Jun 20, 2025